Now ex-Madrid and Swans chief Toshack has claimed that the La Liga giants are definitely keen on Laudrup, and for good reason with the former Wales boss likening him to brilliant former Barcelona boss Johan Cruyff.

Tosh added: “I spoke to Michael a number of times while we have been working as pundits on television.

He is a man of principle. He had issues at Mallorca. He wanted to quit but wouldn’t walk out after a defeat. He waited until the team had won a game. And where are Mallorca these days? Struggling.

“But while I believe that Laudrup could manage in Madrid – and be very good at it – no praise is too high for Swansea City’s directors.

“What they have done with that club is remarkable. They were the ones who were brave enough to give Michael a chance.

“Under the stewardship of chairman Huw Jenkins, Martin Morgan and the others, there is no reason why Swansea's success should end. What cost the club all those years ago was that we didn't have the security they enjoy these days. It's security they have worked for, mind you - and planned for.

“They will not waste the money from Liverpool for Joe Allen and Brendan Rodgers. It will be used to improve the club.

“And now the club has qualified for Europe. I don’t know how you can look upon that as anything other than wonderful.”

On similarities between former Barca playing great Laudrup and his former boss who led the Catalan ‘Dream Team’ to a string of La Liga titles and the 1992 European Cup, Toshack added: “Just like Cruyff, Laudrup has an aura. And there are similarities between what is happening at Swansea and what Cruyff did while Laudrup was a player under him at the Nou Camp.

“There was nothing over-complicated about the Barcelona team who won the European Cup in 1992. They were simply good players who were relaxed and confident in themselves, their colleagues and the system they were playing.

“In my experience, managers who have played at a high level don't look into the game too deeply. They don't need to do that.

“There is an understanding of top players, of what makes them tick. Cruyff had it. Laudrup has picked up on that and run with it as a manager.”

Laudrup has gone on record to state his intention is to stay at Swansea next season and the club are both keen and close to tie up the extension that is thought to be all but agreed.

WalesOnline is part of Media Wales, publisher of the Western Mail, South Wales Echo, Wales on Sunday and the seven Celtic weekly titles, offering you unique access to our audience across Wales online and in print.